MEDIA RELEASE

THE HON SHAYNE NEUMANN MP, FEDERAL MEMBER FOR BLAIR

Federal Member for Blair Shayne Neumann has officially opened a new Industrial Arts Centre at St Peter Claver College, which will boost students’ access to cutting-edge skills and technology, and help them become job-ready.

Mr Neumann opened the facilities on Friday, and said the project was delivered thanks to Australian Government funding of $2.4 million ($2,371,038) through the Department of Education’s Capital Grants Program.

“The Albanese Labor Government is committed to providing all schools with appropriate funding so that all students, including those at St Peter Claver College Riverview, get the best possible education.

“The new industrial arts building is now home to many of the College’s Digital Technology and Technology Design subjects, and includes state of the art equipment and innovative design spaces offering students real-world experience and equipping them with industry-ready skills.

“These facilities will allow students to work on theory and then put this into practice in the purposefully designed spaces for construction and engineering, while also working with other cutting-edge mediums, such as 3D printing and laser cutting.

“I was delighted to open the new centre, which will help students explore innovative modern technology, and develop practical problem-solving skills as they prepare for the jobs of the future in engineering, design and manufacturing.”

Mr Neumann said the new high-tech facilities would benefit the students currently at St Peter Claver College, as well as the many students who will follow in future years.

“The teachers, staff and students at St Peter Claver College have built a strong and positive school community, and these new facilities will further enhance our local educational opportunities.

“Our government strongly believes in providing the best possible resources so that local students can realise their potential and develop the skills they need to go on to further study or to find a job.

“Over the next four years, the Albanese Government will be investing around $875 million on facilities at schools across Australia, including $39.2 million in Queensland this year alone,” Mr Neumann said.

St Peter Claver College is a Catholic, coeducational school located in Riverview, Ipswich with around 1,100 students enrolled from Years 7 to 12.

The Australian Government’s Capital Grants Program provides funding to non-government primary and secondary schools to improve school infrastructure, where they do not have enough capital resources.

More information about the program can be found at: www.education.gov.au/payments-and-grants-schools/capital-grants-non-government-schools